From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
UChicago students reflect on campus sexual assault
UChicago students and a high school senior discuss campus sexual assault reports and university response.
In brief
UChicago students and a high school senior discuss campus sexual assault reports and university response. Two UChicago fraternities reported sexual assaults, prompting student concerns about campus safety and university action. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Recent sexual assault reports at UChicago fraternities
Two fraternities near UChicago reported sexual assaults this week, sparking national conversation about campus safety.
“A 19-year-old woman told police she was sexually assaulted at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity in February and filed a lawsuit about the incident this week.”
University response to lawsuits
UChicago officials said they will cooperate with police investigations and determine disciplinary actions for fraternities.
“The university does not recognize the fraternity but will determine if anyone violated school policy and "administer discipline as warranted."”
Rosibel Garcia's perspective
Rosibel Garcia, a third-year chemistry student, says campus fraternities are too close to campus for safety.
“I know stories of women who have had certain experiences at this college that should have been sent in an email, and it never was.”
Lily Vu's perspective
Lily Vu, a first-year linguistics and math student, says sexual assault risks are common at all universities.
“All my friends that are girls are saying, "We should just be so careful." But that’s not new. As a woman, you’re always seeing these reminders to be safe.”
Keelan Scanlan-Allende's perspective
Keelan Scanlan-Allende, a high school senior applying to UChicago, says sexual assault issues are widespread across fraternities.
“It’s not the recognition of the fraternities that’s the problem, it’s the fraternities themselves.”
Student concerns about safety
Students say the university needs better student involvement in safety discussions and sexual assault prevention.
“Because we have the safety trainings, the online modules at the beginning of the year, but it’s still happening.”
University's role in prevention
Students urge the university to take initiative in sexual assault prevention education and awareness.
“The university does have a responsibility. If they see these things happening or these patterns, they should take the initiative to do workshops or something to educate people on how to prevent that.”
National context of campus safety
Keelan Scanlan-Allende links campus sexual assault to broader national issues in frat culture and rape culture.
“It doesn’t start with abolishing a chapter of a frat. I think where we’re at right now, a national dialogue surrounding frat culture, Greek life and just rape culture in general is probably a good step in the right direction.”
Recent lawsuit details
A 19-year-old woman filed a lawsuit after being sexually assaulted at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity in February.
“A 19-year-old woman told police she was sexually assaulted at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity in February and filed a lawsuit about the incident this week.”
Second assault report
A 21-year-old woman reported sexual assault at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity on Oct. 11.
“The lawsuit came eight days after a 21-year-old woman told police she was sexually assaulted at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity near the Hyde Park campus on Oct. 11.”
University's stance on fraternities
UChicago officials do not recognize the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity but will investigate policy violations.
“University officials said they do not recognize the fraternity but will determine if anyone violated school policy and "administer discipline as warranted."”
What students want next
Students call for better university involvement in campus safety and sexual assault prevention.
“Because we have the safety trainings, the online modules at the beginning of the year, but it’s still happening.”
The one thing
Two UChicago fraternities reported sexual assaults, prompting student concerns about campus safety and university action.
